Whether it’s your first time going to the U.S. Open or you’re making a tennis return, here’s a guide that will help you make the most of your trip to Flushing Meadows:

TICKETS

There are a few options for those who want to attend. The day session begins at 11 a.m. and the night sessions start at 7. If you purchase tickets for Arthur Ashe Stadium, that entitles you to a reserved seat and you also can go to Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Grandstand or any of the side courts. Also available are daily grounds passes, which allow you to go to visit all courts other than Arthur Ashe. Grounds passes are a good way to enjoy a day at the Open, especially during the first week when there are often great matches happening on an intimate side court.

GETTING THERE

Now that your tickets are purchased, it’s time to hit the road and see the action. But how to get there? Avoid driving due to the heavy traffic. If you do have to drive, parking will cost around $20. Cheaper and faster ways to get there include buses, the subway or LIRR (take the 7 train or railroad to Mets-Willets Point).

PACKING LIGHT

Small bags are allowed, so bring water (unless you plan on spending about $5 a bottle) and an umbrella if the forecast calls for rain. Alcohol, glass bottles and cans are not allowed into the grounds, and neither are banners or signs. There is no bag check within the grounds, though there are paid storage areas located outside the South and East gates. And don’t forget your wallet. A day at the Open isn’t cheap, especially if you are attending both sessions.

WHERE TO WATCH

Print out the schedule of play before going so you can plan your day. Gates open at 10 a.m. for morning sessions and 6 p.m. for night sessions. The Grandstand and Louis Armstrong Stadium tend to fill up first because most of the top-ranked players who aren’t on Ashe play their matches there. If you can’t find shade in Armstrong, hike up to the last row of the stadium, which adjoins the Grandstand. From there, you can see inside the Grandstand, and thus pay attention to two matches at once. If the lines are too long for either stadium, check out matches on the side courts or settle in to watch the jumbo screen outside of Ashe.

FAN EXPERIENCE

At the American Express Fan Experience, located within the Chase Center just inside the East Gate, fans can receive tips about how to improve their swing or playing virtual tennis with friends in the Game Center. The Fan Court offers live programming as well as player appearances. Be sure to check out the International Tennis Hall of Fame to learn about the history of the game and past legends. Those with American Express credit cards can get free radios to hear live action and tournament updates.

AUTOGRAPHS

If you aren’t seated close enough to the courts to get autographs, not to worry. The best place to see your favorite players and get autographs and great photos is by the practice courts, located near the West Gate. Players warm up on these courts prior to their matches, so if you are looking for a certain player, be sure to find the schedule of play, which is announced a day in advance. That will give you a general idea of when each player will be practicing, usually an hour or so before their scheduled match. Head to the gift shop to get a hat, shirt, or large tennis ball if you want to have the players sign an item.

MOBILE APP

On the 2012 U.S. Open smartphone application, you can look up schedules, live scores and listen to audio broadcasts of matches — just to name a few of the features.